Next Nottingham Forest Manager Odds: Early contenders to replace sacked Chris Hughton

Nottingham Forest have sacked Chris Hughton following the club’s worst start in 108 years.

Hughton was the first managerial appointment of the 2020/21 season, but now just short of a year later he’s become the first victim of the 2021/22 Sack Race after a return of one point from seven matches so far this term.

On paper Hughton looked to be the ideal appointment to inspire a push for promotion. His Championship record was exceptional; complete with two promotions including a title triumph; in four full seasons employed in the second-tier he’d never finished outside of the top-four (1st, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd).

Six defeats in seven games, rock-bottom of the table, a disconnect from the fans, low morale, a failure to sign a striker, and no signs of progress have combined to bring an end to Hughton’s tenure at the City Ground.

Hughton's 26.4% win rate - 14 wins, 17 draws, and 22 defeats from 53 matches - is the lowest of any permanent Nottingham Forest manager since Alex McLeish (14.3%), who won just one of his seven games in charge during the 2012/13 season. 

In fact, Hughton’s meagre win percentage is the lowest of any boss in the club’s history when it comes to those who have taken charge of over 10 games.

As a result, Forest are now searching for their 15th permanent manager in 10 years.

In a statement on Thursday morning, Nottingham Forest said: 

Nottingham Forest can confirm that Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties as first team manager. 

The club would like to place on record its’ appreciation for Chris’s efforts. Chris joined the club in a difficult period for everyone in football and around the world and we thank him for the way he has conducted himself during his tenure.

Steven Reid will take temporary charge of the first team as interim head coach. 

The search for the permanent successor has begun and the club will update supporters in due course.

The club would like to wish Chris all the best in his future career.

Frustrated fans crave a manager who can whip the current crop into shape. Someone who can utlise the Category One Academy and develop young players. A more entertaining and attack-minded style of play would be most welcome too. Although given the club’s perilous position, winning games takes priority.

Chris Wilder will inevitably be linked with the position given his availability and achievements.

“I've enjoyed the break, it's been great to recharge the batteries and spend time with the family but now I'm ready to rock and roll and get back onto the next challenge,” he told Sky Sports last month.

“I want to move on and be part of a club that's going in the right direction, that's together and that wants to go and achieve,” he added. While Forest are a big club, we’ll have to wait and see whether Wilder will be attracted to the job given their current troubles.

John Terry took to Instagram on this week to rubbish rumours that he was set to replace Hughton. But now the latter has departed could his stance change?

Terry, who has left his post at Aston Villa, is going to be linked with multiple vacancies this season yet despite his high-profile there will of course be question marks considering that we don’t know what encompasses ‘John Terry the manager’ as he’s never managed.

It would certainly be a tough ask for a novice manager to come into a club who are rock-bottom of the table with just one point from a possible 21 so far.

Steven Reid has been placed in charge on a temporary basis, and could gather momentum if he gets off to winning start against Huddersfield this weekend.

Former Swansea manager Steve Cooper is likely to be well backed in the market, while Eddie Howe, Neil Harris, Alex Neil, Garry Monk and Jonathan Woodgate are all out-of-work with varying degrees of Championship experience.